"War and Peace is truly epic in scale and builds on BBC One's commitment to bringing audiences drama of the highest quality and impact," said BBC One controller Danny Cohen.

"Told over six episodes, Andrew Davies will bring his exceptional powers of adaptation to this literary masterpiece."

War and Peace is based on Leo Tolstoy's acclaimed 1869 novel, often cited as one of the most important works in literature.

"[It is] not just a great novel, it's a wonderful read and it'll make a wonderful serial," said writer Davies. "A thrilling, funny and heartbreaking story of love, war and family life. The characters are so natural and human and easy to identify with and Natasha Rostova just beats Lizzy Bennet as the most lovable heroine in literature."

Executive Producer and Head of Drama at BBC Wales Faith Penhale added: "Andrew Davies is the master of the classic adaptation and it's thrilling to be able to bring War and Peace, with its rich cast of characters and epic drama, to BBC One.

"Today's audience will be drawn into the sweeping story of life and love during a time of conflict, with a dazzling production that brings to life the great vision and scale of the novel."